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Total 911’s top five impact bumper Porsche 911s of all time

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Josh Barnett

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In 1974, to satisfy new US automotive regulations, the Porsche 911’s classic, long-nose shape was (according to many) sullied by the addition of impact bumpers, designed to keep their shape in a 5mph accident.

While the ‘accordion’ design is definitely unsightly compared to the simple elegance of the pre-impact bumper generation, it would be unfair to say that the G-Series of Porsche 911s didn’t turn out a few icons though.

We’ve trawled through the archives (and our own data file) to pick the five best impact bumper Porsche 911s of all time. So, without further ado, here they are in reverse order:

5) Porsche 911 SC

Sometimes forgotten among the plethora of other impact bumper Porsche 911s, over 60,000 911 SCs (the combination of the previous 911S and 911 Carrera variants) were built between 1978 and 1983, making it the second most popular neunelfer ever.

4) Porsche 930 3.0

The original Porsche 911 Turbo, launched just one year after the introduction of the impact bumpers, became an instant icon with its incredible acceleration and eye-catching looks. Even 40 years on, its impact hasn’t been lessened, especially in an age of evermore-homogenised sports cars.

3) Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 RS

Available only in ‘Lightweight’ specification, the 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS with its 3.0-litre engine was Zuffenhausen’s first true road racer. Only 109 ever left the factory with the six right-hand drive cars known by their individual colours.

2) Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Clubsport

The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was the Eighties sports car icon, especially in Guards Red or Grand Prix White. The Clubsport version saw the engine blueprinted and 50kg of weight saved, creating a more focussed driver’s car that is now enjoying soaring values.

1) Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI

While the impact bumper era may not have been universally welcomed, the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 proved that Zuffenhausen’s G-Series cars could still excite. In ‘Rest of the World’ spec, the Carrera 2.7 used the running gear from the iconic 1973 911 Carrera RS making for an exhilarating experience.